Black History Event

If you were near John Muir School on the afternoon of Sunday, February 26th, it is likely that you saw a parade of neighbors and friends into the auditorium, and heard cheering and clapping throughout the afternoon. The event: “Gathering Our Youth Through Positive Beginnings”, the 3rd annual Black History Celebration sponsored by SF Western Addition Drill Team/Drum Corps and Hayes Valley Community Partners. This event has grown from its beginnings in the Community room at Hayes Valley South to filling the auditorium at John Muir with close to 200 people!

One portion of the Queen of Sheba skit shows the Queen (portrayed by Asha Hannah) and her court. This popular part of the Black History Month program included a procession through the auditorium, presentation of gifts to the queen and a narration of the importance of the Queen of Sheba to many cultures in ancient times.

Photo: Barbara Wenger

Ms Ruby Johnson, Director of SF Western Addition Drill Team/Drum Corps worked for months planning the event, with help from other agencies participating in Hayes Valley Community Partners (including HVNA). Particular thanks go to Ms Wheaton, John Muir Principal, and Dei Ashcraft, Director of Western Addition Beacon Center, headquartered at the school, for arranging the space. Dozens of our youth, neighbors and friends were able to participate in a program that focused on the youth, and showed respect for some of the many positive role models in the community.

Alvilla Campbell makes heartfelt remarks after receiving presentation from Hayes Valley Community Partners representatives Sandra Bolden and Ruby Johnson at the Black History Month event.

Photo: Hasinah Rahim

Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi presented a Commendation to Alvilla Campbell, a beloved neighbor in Friendship Village. This was followed by a community presentation to Ms Campbell as thanks for her good example to youth and to all of us in living a good life everyday. Her words were inspirational to all. Skits included Queen of Sheba, Rosa Parks (on the 24 Divisadero!), March on Washington, and Harriet Tubman. There are community speakers such as Charles Spencer, and performers such as Lady Gwen and Sis Cheryl from Hayes Valley Christian Fellowship.

Cecelia Sheppard and Clara McDaniel acted as emcees throughout the event, with a theme that ran all afternoon “What Would The World Be Like Without Black People?”

In answer to this question, throughout the program the emcees listed the many inventions of African Americans over the years, including the comb, clothes dryer, refrigerator, traffic light, and the elevator, to name a few.

HVNA Board members were busy at the event, too. Richard Johnson managed the sound system, Paul Olsen and Jim Warshell helped with serving the soul food supper, and Horus Tolson conducted the SGI-USA Chorus. Ms Ruby’s vision, combined with the collaboration of the organizations within Hayes Valley Community Partners, made for a memorable event.